Best Public Infrastructure Grants in New Mexico

Local public bodies and small, non-entitlement communities in New Mexico can seek funding for public infrastructure projects through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration’s Community Development Block Grant program; awards up to US $500,000 support infrastructure needs like water, sanitation, waste management, and other capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan.

Local and state government entities in New Mexico seeking to acquire, develop, or expand outdoor recreation areas and related public infrastructure can apply for the Land & Water Conservation Fund, with awards up to US $500,000. Administered by the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department, this matching reimbursement program supports parks, trails, wetlands, and resource protection projects.

New Mexico tribal governments seeking funding for community infrastructure projects like water, wastewater, roads, or power lines can apply to this competitive Tribal Infrastructure Fund. Grants from State of New Mexico IAD help New Mexico public infrastructure projects in federally recognized Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes develop robust proposals reviewed by a Tribal Infrastructure Board.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets offering workforce preparation, youth development, or community accessibility programs in New Mexico can apply for funding from RBC Foundation USA. The foundation supports job-readiness skills, inclusive prosperity, and environmentally sustainable community spaces in U.S. communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence.

Industrial and energy-sector organizations in New Mexico developing thermal or electric energy storage solutions for industrial facilities can access funding through the U.S. Department of Energy. The Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize offers up to US $700,000 across three competitive phases to design, prototype, and validate cost-effective storage technologies that improve efficiency and support public energy infrastructure.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in New Mexico can seek funding for public infrastructure projects focused on unsafe or aging bridges. Focused on bridge improvement, the Federal Highway Administration invites applications year-round for planning, design, engineering, construction, rehabilitation, seismic retrofits, and safety or anti-icing countermeasures for eligible Tribal Transportation Program bridges in poor condition.

New Mexico public infrastructure and transportation agencies, state and local governments, Tribal governments, counties, and port authorities can access funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for major surface transportation projects. This US Department of Transportation grant supports multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact, with awards up to US $25,000,000.

Researchers and research institutions in the U.S. can apply for Arnold Ventures funding to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies, including those affecting public infrastructure. Grants support causal research in areas such as higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, reproductive health, and public finance, helping inform policymakers and improve public systems in New Mexico and beyond.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal organizations, and other eligible entities working on traffic safety and public infrastructure in New Mexico can seek funding to implement innovative, evidence-based countermeasures that reduce road fatalities. Grants from the National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition support Safe System approaches, life‑saving technologies, and projects with measurable, scalable results across the U.S.

Very small, financially distressed rural governments, nonprofits, and tribes in New Mexico can use this program to fund predevelopment planning for water and waste disposal infrastructure projects. Focused on rural public infrastructure, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to seek support for feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance for future construction projects.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized New Mexico cities can receive up to US $25,000 for temporary street safety pilot projects that address dangerous or divisive arterial roads. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program offers a yearlong cohort with training, support, and in-person convening to advance public infrastructure and reconnect neighborhoods.

Researchers, public agencies, and policy organizations in New Mexico working on transportation infrastructure and policy can seek up to US $200,000 for research, data, and implementation projects. With a mission to improve U.S. infrastructure systems, Arnold Ventures provides support for studies on capital investment reform, project delivery costs, permitting, governance, and related transportation policy issues.

Public agencies and partners seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies for safety, mobility, and congestion management in New Mexico and across the U.S. can apply for the ATTAIN Competitive Grant Program, offering up to US $12,000,000. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that enhance public infrastructure, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment.

Public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities in New Mexico can seek support for health, sustainability, education, and community development projects. SC Johnson Giving supports U.S.-based charities and public agencies, with emphasis on communities near its operations, including initiatives that improve public infrastructure, safety, and access to essential services.

The ADCMS Competitive Grant Program, administered by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, aims to incentivize eligible State Departments of Transportation and partners to implement innovative technology in construction projects. This initiative promotes collaboration among various entities, including local governments and private industries, with a required cost share of 20% to enhance project viability and effectiveness. The program encourages joint applications to maximize the impact of technological advancements in the construction sector.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

Individuals, nonprofits, academic institutions, and other entities in New Mexico and worldwide can apply for Centre for Effective Altruism’s EA Infrastructure Fund, awarding US $1,000 - US $500,000 for projects that strengthen effective altruism infrastructure. Funding can support community-building, research, fundraising, or other initiatives that improve access to talent, capital, and knowledge.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Pop Culture Collaborative offers Major Grants to support initiatives that promote long-term narrative change and social justice through pop culture. Targeting U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals, these grants aim to engage mass audiences in transformative experiences. With a focus on communities often marginalized, the Collaborative's efforts are designed to foster a pluralistic society where everyone belongs. Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and duration, with applications reviewed biannually.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.